Tension along the border could cause distress to both Pakistan and India, says Gillani

Islamabad – 24.12.06 – Just as news fluttered everywhere on the alleged violation of Indian borders by Pak war planes, Premier Yousuf Raza Gillani comes up with a statement that neither of the countries can afford tension along the border.

“Nobody wants tensions on the borders and we are moving responsibly and with caution,” Gilani told press people who met him in a ceremony at Islamabad.

In the same vein he did not forget to point out that the war preparedness has reached an optimal level in Pakistan and it is prepared for any eventuality.    He claimed that the entire nation backs its army at this crucial moment in the history of Pakistan with a vow to maintain the sovereignty and integrity of the country.

Good relationship with India could only be possible with mutual respect, said Gillani.  “The Government is aware of the situation in the region and will act as things move”, he continued.  At the same time he also blamed certain elements who were trying to foment tension between the two countries with highly motivated publicity of having “so called” evidences that Mumbai attack organizers hail from Pakistan.

 Whatever he says, recent incidents narrate a different story.  Pakistani warplanes have been conducting regular surveys over the strategic cities and habitations in the wake or mounting tension and possibility of war looming large.

It could well be a last minute attempt by the Pakistani leaders to escape the mounting international pressure for action against the terrorists rooted there.  India on the other hand has been consistently insisting on having handed over all the evidences against the suspects to the Pakistan Government.  The Indian Defense Minister, Mr. Pranab Mukherjee’s statement contained no ambiguous terms when he said that Pakistan was given all the evidences required but they are not taking any action.  “If they won’t, we will” he categorically said.

Unfortunately, war is an evil and the burnt is borne by the innocent mass that neither has any involvement with terrorism nor with armed combats.  Loss to them in consequence of any war is always heavy.  One can only hope that the Pakistani leaders would see reason and take action to uproot the terrorism blooming across from their own land.